Though the actual award has only Chris’ name on it, Chanell Walby, Director of Bowman Parks and Recreation, said that it was deserving that both he and Amanda were able to accept it together.

“It’s not just Chris, it’s Chris and Amanda [Johnson],” she said.

Walby said that every parks and recreation departments across the state is allowed to submit names for this award, but only one was recognized.

Walby said she sent in the nomination based on the work that Chris has put in with the department, and the effort he gives each year for the skating rink.

“It’s given to a person in the community that contributes a lot to the parks and rec [program],” Walby said. “I nominated Chris for this award, based on what he did last year for the ice skating program.”

Chris is also a board member and a volunteer youth coach.

“I was happy he won,” she said.

Walby kept the nomination from Chris and Amanda until the winner was announced. She told them about the event so the whole family could attend.

Chris told the Pioneer that he likes working with the parks and recreation department because to him it’s giving back to the kids. And he knows his own children utilize their amenities so he feels like it’s a good way give back to something he and his family benefit from.

“It’s nice to be noticed when you do stuff like that,” Chris said of the award. “It’s pretty special.”